Astros hire Baker, 70, as manager
Dusty Baker has reached an agreement to be the manager of the Astros, The Associated Press reported Wednesday.
The 70-year-old Baker became the oldest manager in the big leagues. He takes over from AJ Hinch, who was fired Jan. 13 just an hour after he was suspended for the season by Major League Baseball for his role in the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal.
Baker’s hiring was a sign the AL champions wanted to add a veteran presence to a franchise reeling from the dismissal of Hinch and GM Jeff Luhnow. Baker has 22 years of managerial experience, starting in 1993 with the Giants.
A three-time manager of the year, Baker last managed with the Nationals in 2017.
■ 3B Kris Bryant lost his service-time grievance against the Cubs. The 28-yearold former NL MVP and rookie of the year has two years left before he’s eligible for free agency, instead of becoming a free agent after the upcoming season.
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Soccer: Premier League leader Liverpool beat host West Ham 2-0, extending its advantage over two-time defending champ Manchester City to 19 points . ... City beat Manchester United 3-2 on aggregate to advance to the final of the English League Cup. United beat visiting City 1-0 in the second leg but had lost the first leg 3-1. City, winner of the last two Cups, will face Aston Villa on March 1 at Wembley Stadium.